With many of this year’s events on hold or cancelled due to the Coronovirus pandemic, we wanted to help quench the competitive thirst our members have! We are therefore pleased to launch a four-week series of twice weekly virtual events for our existing members and to those of you who are new to cycling as well.
The restrictions in place have left many riders looking at the virtual world in order to get a fix of competitive and group riding, with the simple to use Zwift platform being extremely popular for riders of all ability levels.
Rhys James, Welsh Cycling’s Events Officer, said: “Ahead of the pandemic we had big plans to host a number of coach-led racing opportunities around the Tour de France and Olympic Games, for more people to give cycling a go. These key events and our plans were of course impacted by the outbreak, but with so many new people engaging in the virtual cycling world it made sense to link in with Zwift.”
While the racing is designed to give Welsh Cycling’s racing members to opportunity to compete, the series welcomes everyone. There are incentives to all who participate, with Welsh Cycling’s sponsor, Limar Helmets offering up a prize to one lucky participant. For every stage completed, riders who have signed up to the series will be entered into the draw to win an exclusive Welsh Air Speed helmet to use in the real world.
Craig Middleton, National Brand Manager of Limar Helmets UK said: “Limar Helmets are delighted to support the Welsh Cycling Zwift Racing Series. It is a fantastic initiative to keep people riding and competing on their bikes in a safe way during these recent troubled times.
"Through our partnership we are proud to support all Welsh cyclists with access to our cycle helmets, whether you are a seasoned rider looking to improve your performance or a beginner we have a helmet that is right for you with a membership benefit available through Welsh Cycling membership.”
Mark Allen, Welsh Cycling’s Commercial Partnership manager, said: “It’s a fantastic to have the support of Limar to this new initiative by providing such a great prize for the draw. The helmet valued at £180, is used by our Wales Racing Academy and would be a great addition to any existing or new cyclist’s kit bag.”
The Zwift virtual world allows riders to connect any bike using speed sensors wirelessly to a computer or tablet to power your avatar rider around an immersive cycling world to allow for both training and racing.
Dan Coast, Welsh Cycling’s Cycling Development Officer, said: “We wanted to invite the thousands of people who have discovered cycling during this pandemic to come and engage with what we do as a sport.
"Virtual platforms like Zwift remove many of the barriers that new cyclists can face; many people new to cycling find the idea of group rides or racing intimidating, but we hope that by joining us on Zwift, new riders have a fun, low-risk opportunity to enjoy a no-pressure bike race, from the safety of their own home,” Dan continued.
The inaugural event takes place on Tuesday 7th July with a short time trial stage of 5 miles (8km) in the Italian City, Bologna, at 7pm, followed by consecutive Thursday and Tuesday nights on different courses and events until the 30th of July. The draw for the Welsh Air Speed helmet will then be made shortly afterwards.
To take part riders must complete the sign-up form listed below and register as a Zwift user and once you've submitted your entry, you will then receive more information on how to get going. The four-week series is also free to take part (at the expense of a Zwift subscription). To appear in the results, riders must sign-up to the Zwift Power tool (video guidance) or read how to connect to Zwift Power.
You can read our useful guide on how to join the Welsh Cycling Zwift Racing here - English & Welsh.
We hope this will be a welcome addition to Welsh Cycling’s portfolio of events and provide a great opportunity for both new and existing riders to join us for a ride.
Stage Results
Stage 1 - Bologna Time Trial
Stage 2 - Team Italy Superveloce Race
Stage 3 - British Cycling Race Series
Stage 5 - British Cycling Race Series
Stage 6 - Team Italy Superveloce Race
Stage 7 - WTRL Empowerment Series
Stage 8 (i) - British Cycling Men & Women's Time Trial Series
Stage 8 (ii) - ZHR Up & Down Race
Additional Links
